Getting Clued Up On The Cloud: Many UK Small Businesses Admit Limited Knowledge On The Cloud

In recent Hollywood comedy ‘Sex Tape’, Jason Segal can be heard yelling that ‘nobody understands the cloud.’ You’d be forgiven for suspecting that this was an exaggeration to cover up his character’s ignorance, but in fact, it seems as though this farcical film based on poor Cloud management actually highlights a very real problem.

A recent survey suggests that 57 per cent of small business executives have admitted that they aren’t entirely sure how the Cloud works. And let’s face it - it’s hardly surprising that, with a name like the Cloud, people’s impression and knowledge of the intangible service is just a little hazy. But shouldn’t business executives know better?

So What Is The Cloud?

Simply put, Cloud storage is a method of storing and managing files and data on a network of remote servers that are hosted by the internet, rather than by a local server. Since before the turn of the millennium, businesses, schools and libraries have been using local networks to save and store their files and data. This is all fine and well, but it meant that you were only allowed to access the files through a select number of computers that were already connected to what became known as an ‘intranet’.

The growing need for remote access quickly spawned increased development of remote access programs such as LogMeIn that allow you to control your computer from another that isn’t connected to the same internal network. This, of course, required both computers to be connected to the internet, and for the base computer to be left turned on. Ultimately, it wasn’t practical.

So, heads were turned towards an old idea. An idea that has been in the making for over 50 years now. Cloud computing.

The Birth of The Cloud

Whilst Cloud storage provider Dropbox wasn’t the first of its kind, it was likely the first to popularise the movement that has led us to choose between gamuts of providers, all of whom are, to the untrained eye, offering the same thing.

What makes Cloud storage an effective option for remote access to files is that you don’t need to leave computers on that are constantly connected to the internet (not that we really disconnect these days), and that with the vast improvements made to mobile technology, we can access these files on a variety of platforms.

One way to look at Cloud storage is as if you were looking at a website – a website that you are able to download and edit as and when you require. It effectively works the same – servers host the data for a price so that you can see it from wherever you are in the world.

And this is what makes Cloud storage such a viable asset for a range of industries. You are able to work alongside your colleagues on one project even when you’re thousands of miles away, and even when you don’t understand something there are always IT support services at hand.

Staying Safe with the Cloud

Obviously different providers offer different services for slightly different costs. And depending on what you propose to use the service for depends on what provider you should use. For example, iCloud offers excellent services… if you have Apple products. But you wouldn’t use it if you’re a PC toting business, because it is a service that works better for personal use. Exploring the different services available, and finding the one that is most relevant and user-friendly for you, is key to understanding the Cloud storage process.

When it comes right down to it, Cloud storage isn’t all that scary. It is basically just like a file on your desktop, but one that you are able to access from all over the world. And it’s important to start understanding how the Cloud can benefit you, especially in the years to come where everything is moving towards Cloud-based solutions.

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Damian Coates is the Commercial Accounts Director for London’s Utilize IT Support. Damian believes that the Cloud has changed the face of business forever and strongly believes that all SME should be using the features that cloud computing offers.